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What is Potassium?
Potassium, sodium and chloride
comprise the electrolyte family of minerals. Called
electrolytes because they conduct electricity when dissolved
in water, these minerals work together closely.
About 95% of
the potassium in the body is stored within cells, while
sodium and chloride are predominantly located outside the
cell.
What Does
in the Body?
Potassium is especially
important in regulating the activity of muscles and nerves. The frequency and degree to which our muscles contract, and
the degree to which our nerves become excitable, both depend
heavily on the presence of potassium in the right amount.
Where is it Found?
Food sources include milk products, fresh fruits, cereals,
vegetables, meat and shellfish.
Potassium is easily lost in
cooking and processing foods.
Recommended daily intake is
estimate to be between 800 to 1500 mg.
Symptoms/Deficiency
The
symptoms of potassium deficiency include muscle weakness,
confusion, irritability, fatigue, and heart disturbances.
Potassium deficiency usually occurs when excessive amounts
of potassium are lost through the alimentary tract or
through the kidneys.
Potassium depletion usually occurs as a consequence of
prolonged use of diuretics, from prolonged diarrhea and hyperaldosteronism. Individuals that experience hypokalemia,
metabolic alkalosis, anorexia, weakness, fatigue, or cardiac
dysrhythmias may be suffering from
potassium deficiency. |
